Chelsea job would 'destroy' my career, says Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers successfully guided Swansea into the Premier League and has been linked with Chelsea due to his time there as a coach under José Mourinho. Photograph: Ed Sykes/Action Images

The Swansea manager, Brendan Rodgers, has ruled himself out of the running to be the new Chelsea manager and says he is looking to build his career and "not destroy it".

The 39-year-old is thought of as one of the brightest managerial talents in Britain, having led the Swans to promotion and an impressive start to life in the Premier League.

Rodgers has also had spells as manager of Watford and Reading after some time on the coaching staff at Chelsea, who sacked their manager André Villas-Boas on Sunday.

The Northern Irishman worked under José Mourinho during his time at Stamford Bridge and is as low as 20-1 with some bookies to take the job, although he insists he will not be leaving Swansea any time soon.

"It's sad to see André depart," Rodgers told the South Wales Evening Post. "The transition that is needed at the club is very much evident, and it's a job that requires sensitivity about where the club is at.

"It's about understanding and respecting what the players have done there and also having that ruthless streak to manage the club. I feel André tried to do those things but, for whatever reason, it just hasn't worked out.

"For me the focus is on Swansea. I came here to do a job. The story for us all so far has been fantastic and I hope that will continue. If any of our fans are wondering about me and Chelsea, they need not panic.

"I am trying to build my career and not destroy it."

Rodgers admits the Chelsea post is an attractive one and is intrigued as to how the vacancy will be filled. "There is so much going for Chelsea – it's a terrific club," he added. "But you can't continue doing what they do and have success. It does not work.

"The next manager who goes in there will have the same problems and issues. It's a big job and demanding job – that's how it is at the big clubs and that's why the salaries are so high.

"It's certainly going to be interesting to see what route they go down now."